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Zoology courses

Do you like the sound of studying animal behaviour in an exotic location, or working in wildlife conservation? To take a zoology course you'll need an aptitude for science as you'll be studying animal anatomy and physiology, genetics and cell biology as well as animal behaviour and ecology. Graduates from zoology courses work in lab-based research posts as well as field research and in conservation and environmental management (perhaps in that exotic location, or a little closer to home...).

Studying zoology at university

Example course modules

  • Plant science
  • Genes and cellular control
  • The animal kingdom
  • Immunity, parasites and control of parasitic infections
  • Animal behaviour
  • Quantitative methods in biology
  • Science and success
  • Diversity of life
  • Patterns of life and their evolution

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

13
Hours
5
14
Hours

Average for all subjects

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

More on studying and contact hours at uni

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 66%
    Male : 34%
  • Mature : 15%
    School leaver : 85%
  • Full-time : 99%
    Part-time : 1%

What students say about zoology

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • Chemistry
  • Biology

Useful to have

  • Psychology
  • Physics
  • Mathematics

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Sources: HECSU & KIS
Zoology isn't just about working in zoos (although if you want one of these highly sought-after jobs, be prepared for some serious competition), because zoology graduates can be found in all sorts of jobs. Nearly a quarter of graduates take some kind of further qualification when they leave – mostly Masters degrees in zoology or related subjects, like biology or ecology – but a graduate from a zoology course can go into pretty much anything, with science, conservation, management, finance and marketing some of the most popular areas.
Professional and accrediting bodies:

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas
  • Sales assistants and retail cashiers

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Environmental campaign manager
  • Nature reserve warden
  • Zoological field surveyor

Other real-life job examples

  • Animal welfare officer
  • Financial analyst
  • Environmental consultant

What employers like about this subject

A degree in zoology will help you gain subject-specific skills in the study of animal behaviour; the physiology, genetics and biology of animal species; an understanding of ecological and conservation issues, and good laboratory practice. Useful transferable skills you can develop on a zoology degree include communication and presentation skills, problem-solving and decision-making. Industries that employed zoology graduates last year included zoos and nature reserves, conservation organisations and charities, universities, scientific and field research organisations and environmental consultancies.